If you are currently living and working in Canada, you may be able to apply to extend your status and continue working while you await your new work permit.

Work Permit Extensions

What you need to know

Work Permit Extensions

Who is eligible for a work permit extension?

To extend your work permit, you must be eligible for a new work permit under one of the following:

the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (i.e. you have a valid LMIA)
the International Mobility Program (an employer has provided you with an A#)
a specific type of Open Work Permit.

What is maintained status?

If you have applied to extend your work permit before your existing permit expires, and you remain in Canada while your work permit application is in process and after your previous permit expires, you can continue working in Canada under “maintained status” (previously known as “implied status”), under the terms and conditions of your previous work permit.

What is interim proof of eligibility to work?

When IRCC receives your online work permit extension application, they will send you a generic acknowledgement of receipt letter. They may also send you a letter advising you that you are authorized to continue working for another 120 days under maintained status. This is because IRCC aims to process your application within 120 days.

If you don’t receive your new work permit within 120 days, you can continue working until you receive a decision on your work permit extension application under maintained status.

My employer is worried that I’m not eligible to work. What should I do?

If your employer is concerned about your eligibility to continue working, you can submit a webform request to IRCC to send you a new interim eligibility to work letter. However, bear in mind that IRCC can take up to four months to respond to a webform, if at all.

How can Lighthouse Immigration Law help?

If you aren’t sure whether you are eligible for a work permit extension, we will look at your specific situation and offer you advice on the options available to you.

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